Caltrain gets FRA approval for PTC system

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
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The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has given Caltrain the green light to proceed with the installation and testing of its Positive Train Control (PTC) technology.

 

Caltrain is using an Interoperable Incremental Train Control System to provide safety and operational benefits for trains in the Caltrain corridor and allow the agency to meet the federal mandate for the installation of PTC by the end of 2015.

Caltrain said it will be the first passenger rail system in the country to adopt this specific technology, which meets the unique needs of a shared commuter, intercity and freight rail corridor.

Caltrain said the new technology will enable it to enhance safety at grade crossings, improve schedule reliability, operate trains closer together so more trains can serve the corridor, improve flexibility and enhance safety during construction work alongside the tracks.

“We set a goal of creating a train control solution that would not only provide substantially greater safety improvements but would improve the efficiency and performance of the Caltrain corridor,” said Chuck Harvey, deputy CEO, Engineering, Construction and Operations for Caltrain. “But as a corridor that is also used by freight and other rail service providers, we needed a system that would work with others that are likely to be in use on this corridor one day. We’re thrilled to be leading the way with this new technology, which we hope will prove useful for other rail corridors throughout the country facing similar operating environments.”

This approval is considered an important step toward meeting the federal implementation deadline. Caltrain began installation work along the rail corridor last year and will begin installing and testing the software and wayside technology that will interact with onboard software as its next step once installation of the fiber optics is complete. System testing is expected to be completed by October 2015.

The advanced signal system, which includes PTC technology, is part of Caltrain’s Modernization Program. The program includes electrifying the Caltrain system and purchasing new electric multiple units to provide more frequent service and or reduce travel times for more riders at more stations. The program will also decrease noise and pollution in the corridor by more than 80 percent.

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